HBCU Campaign Fund is saddened by the loss of another great historic legend.

Monte Irvin, represented Blacks and HBCU(s) (historically black colleges and universities) as the fourth black player to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball and a Hall of Fame outfielder. He died Monday night in Houston, he was 96.

In Irvin early life, he attended Lincoln University, PA (a historically black college and universities, located in Chester County, Pennsylvania) and was a star football player. He left Lincoln to play in Negro League Baseball.

Irvin played for the Newark Eagles in 1938. He led the Mexican League with a .397 batting average and 20 home runs in 63 games, being rewarded with the Most Valuable Player award.

In 1949, the New York Giants paid $5,000 for his contract. Irvin was one of the first black players to be signed. He hit .293 with a .383 on-base percentage and 99 home runs in eight seasons with the New York Giants. He was named to his only Major League Baseball All-Star game in 1952.

The Chicago Cubs signed him before the 1956 season. Irvin appeared 111 games, hitting .271 with 15 home runs.

"Monte Irvin's affable demeanor, strong constitution, and coolness under pressure helped guide baseball through desegregation and set a standard for American culture," President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Jeff Idelson said in a statement. "His abilities on the field as the consummate teammate are undeniable, as evidenced by World Series titles he contributed to in both the Negro and Major leagues, and a richly-deserved plaque in Cooperstown. he was on the original committee that elected Negro League stars to the Hall of Fame, something for which the Museum will always be grateful."

HBCU Campaign Fund President Demetrius Johnson Jr., released in a statement:

"HBCU Campaign Fund organization sends our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Irvin. His legacy will be forever remembered!"